Behavioral Science : Developmental and Social?

At the end of the day Behavioral Science is just Psychology isnt it? An attempt to understand the minds of those who would not be understood. Despite the fact that we seem to be able to justify everything we do as individuals we do not seem to be consistent enough with our stories to satisfy the head crawlers as to human behavior in general. Understanding. If we can understand it....we can prevent it. At least that is what we hope. But what happens if we do ultimately gain that understanding......and are still helpless to do anything? I'm not saying that this is the case. But what if...? What do we do then?

There's really no point to these questions though is there? Let's just get there first shall we? Or try to. Then we'll make a move. So...a bit about what it is we are actually trying to do? I am aware of that whole 'nature v. nurture' debate, as I'm sure are most of you. Though I tend to give some degree of credence to each one I have to admit that for the most part I am a 'Nurture' person myself. Don't hold me to this in all instances. Unfortunately I do believe that there are individuals who are, quite literally, 'born bad'. That sounds extreme, nevertheless its true, and I'll go over it at a later date. But not now. Now lets talk about 'Nurture', because at the end of the day that is the premise that most schools of thought within Behavioral Science is based upon. If Anyone objects to this......please feel free to post your own input. I'll be more than happy to make sure it gets to the front page. But until then, you are left with me, and my thoughts...... :)

Behavioral Science, in its broadest form, is a study primarily concerned with understanding, predicting and controlling various types of human behavior. Disciplines such as anthropology, psychology, and sociology are often classified as Behavioral Sciences.

When applied against the background of the criminal justice system, it naturally follows that the behavior being studied is criminal behavior. To this end Behavioral Science is a study of the behavior of criminals and the interpersonal relationships which contribute to the development of this behavior. Behavioral Science researchers focus on human behavior and the functioning and institutions of society as a whole as they influence, and are influenced by, the behavior and needs of others. It is important to understand that in the investagatory sense a major application of behavioral science is not only to understand criminal behavior but to predict it as well.

The suggestion that there is any possibility of one single explanation of criminal behaviour has to be totally rejected because not only is behaviour complex, but crime is a social construct which changes over time and across cultures. This said, psychology can and does, however, make a contribution to our understanding of criminal behaviour and from a range of different perspectives. many of the theories stem from classic studies, though there is also evidence of more contemporary developments.

Developmental Psychology principals evolve around the idea that a person's intellectual and social development is a direct result of environmental factors. Of particular interest in the field of criminology are theories that children who are not presented with opportunities for emotional attachment tend to have poorer outcomes in terms of psychological health (Harrower) and that children who display behavioural problems tend to come from families which have harsh and inconsistent discipline patters. (Eron et al 1991)

From both a biological and social perspective gender plays an important role in socialization, for whatever reason, males are more vulnerable than females (more male infant deaths, more males involved in deadly accidents and males die at an earlier age). In youth, as early as primary school, males tend to have more behaviorrelated problems and behavior disorders than do females. (This is paralleled in adulthood-men are far more likely to commit crime of most any sort, particularly violent crime.) Developental Psychologists believe this could be because girls are socialized into being polite and well-mannered, whilst boys are often encouraged to be aggresive, dominant and independent. According to Sian (1994) when an individual is unable to comply with these expectations this is often accompanied by low self-esteem which can produce further 'vulnerability' in some male children. This would explain the tendancy to overcompensate by seeking success in offending behavior.

Farrington suggests that this tendancy increases during adolescence (parallelled again by offending behavior) due to developmental factors such as harsh and inconsistent discipline, family conflict, low income, parental indifference or rejection and mixing with antisocial peers etc...

Behavioral Science researchers who study behavior within the context of Social Psychology focus on the interaction betwen individuals, their attitudes, deindividuation and group processes. Though it is important to distinguish and differiniate between attitudes and behavior it should also be noted that the way an offender views themselves and the attitudes they hold about themslevs, their peers and crime itself plays a large part in the decision making process which o9ccurs prior to offending behaviors. Factors which play a role in the decision making process and the formation of beliefs are often applied to the study of offending behavior as an active decision as opposed to passive responses to conditions.

Though the scientific study of behvior via the Developmental and Social routes are by no means conclusive they do cast light on Behavioral Science as a construct.

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